This Art course engages students in practical studio work, which is informed by relevant contextual study. Art and Design promotes an experimental approach using a wide range of media including, painting, print, mixed media, and digital imagery. Observational drawing underpins all Fine Art practice and is seen as an essential requirement for the course. You are encouraged to further your artistic interests, understanding, and skills whilst developing a personal creative response within the supportive environment of the art studios. The appreciation and study of art is integral to the course and this culminates in the second year with an illustrated written study of between 1,000 and 3,000 words. The major requirement for A-level Art and Design courses is the need to be creative, original, and flexible and have a strong independent work ethic. These courses offer exploration and experimentation with a wide range of materials and processes that encourage and nurture the creative process. Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to build upon both traditional and contemporary methods of working. You are instructed to develop personal responses to a variety of themes exploring: • Culture • Self • Relationships • Artistic styles Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on line, tone, color, texture, shape, form, and space. You may work with a variety of media, such as paints, pastels, pencils, pens, ink, watercolours, fabric, print, and digital, and are encouraged to develop a multimedia approach. You can select one approach or combine techniques as you progress.